High Organic Matter Research Articles

Evaluation of upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) performance in synthetic vinasse treatment

Vinasse is one of the major sources of environmental pollution because of high organic matter and toxic compound levels (e.g., sulfates and phenols). The more the vinasse treatment is, the less the environmental pollution will be. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a low-cost and simple anaerobic pretreatment on the COD removal efficiency of the UASB reactor for the treatment of synthetic vinasse. In addition, this system was evaluated through organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT), upflow velocity (Vup), mixed liquor volatile suspended solid (MLVSS), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), and pH. In a 155-day trial, the system was fed by synthetic vinasse with an organic loading rate (OLR) ranging from 2.5 to 20.5 kgCOD/m3.d. The results indicated that when a UASB reactor was used for synthetic vinasse treatment, the average COD removal efficiency and methane production were about 80.45% and 56%, respectively. However, the use of an anaerobic unit as a less expensive and simple pretreatment increased COD removal efficiency to 88.4% and methane production to 62.5% (684.6 L/kgCOD). The study result suggested that anaerobic pretreatment is suitable for reducing the environmental pollution of vinasse and can be used as an economical system for real vinasse treatment on an industrial scale.

Remediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Gas Station Soil Using High-Pressure Soil Washing Technology

Objectives : In this study, high-pressure soil washing was performed on in-situ gas station soils for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated gas station sites.Methods : On-site gas station soils (GSS) collected from four different locations were subjected to high-pressure soil washing to analyze the amount of fine soil removal and TPH concentration after washing according to the cut-off size (0.075, 0.105 mm). In addition, the four GSS were evaluated for the relationship between the organic matter content of each soil and TPH removal efficiency. Furthermore, to evaluate the disintegration force of high-pressure soil washing technology to disperse soil aggregates, the particle size distribution of the soil before and after washing was evaluated and XRD analysis was performed.Results and Discussion : As the cut-off size increased (0.075 mm → 0.105 mm), the removal rate of fine soil in the GSS increased, and the TPH concentration tended to decrease. With respect to the TPH Soil Contamination Warning Standard for Region 2 (800 mg/kg), only the GSS 3 was in compliance with the standard (630 mg/kg). There were no significant differences in fine soil removal rates among the soils, which was expected since all the soils tested represented the same sandy loam. Washing efficiencies by soil were relatively low for soils with relatively high organic matter content. The particle size distribution showed the largest particle reduction was in the 2-0.850 mm range after remediation, while soil particles increased in the 0.105-0.075 mm and <0.075 mm range. In addition, XRD analysis showed an increase in the peak intensity of Quartz and the removal of clay mineral after washing, confirming the effective breakdown of soil aggregates and removal of fine soil by cavitation.Conclusion : If an optimal cut-off size is established, considering the soil texture and economics of the contaminated site after identifying the initial organic content level in the soil prior to washing, it is anticipated that high-pressure soil washing technology will be effectively applied for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated gas station sites.

Textural characteristics and distribution of ostracoda in core sediments from the Gadilam river estuary, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India

To know the distribution of brackish water Ostracoda and to investigate the sediment characteristics, a core (105 cm) has been collected from the Gadilam river estuary and it was sub-sampled into 21 samples at 5 cm width regular interval. All the sediment samples were analyzed as per standard micropaleontological techniques in order to investigate the distribution and occurrence of ostracod fauna. A total of 27 ostracod taxa belonging to 16 genera, 12 families, 3 superfamilies and 2 sub-order of the order Podocopida, have been identified based on published articles Throughout the core (from top to bottom) the calcareous forms were noticed. The ostracod species Kalingella mckenziei and Jankeijcythere mckenziei are widely distributed in the core and they outnumbered the rest of the species. The faunal assemblages recorded are tropical, brackish to neritic (shallow marine) and benthic in nature (Hemicytheridea paiki, Hemicytheridea bhatiai, Jankeijcythere mckenziei, Kalingella mckenziei, Neosinocythere dekrooni, Paijenborchellina sp., Stigmatocythere indica and Tanella gracilis). In the analyzed core, there is no faunal assemblage at the depth between 80-85 and 95-105 cm. The sediment characteristics such as calcium carbonate, organic matter and sand-silt-clay ratio also determined and correlated with the observed ostracod populations. Based on the detailed study, it is noticed that high calcium carbonate and low organic matter of the sediment are congenial for population abundance. From the overall distribution of Ostracoda in all the subsamples, siltysand is found to an accommodative substrate for the prosperity of Ostracoda. The statistical aspect of ostracod carapace-valve ratio has been studied to identify the rate of sedimentation which infers a faster rate of deposition of sediments in the Gadilam River estuary.

Relationships Between Some General Properties and Erosion Susceptibility of Soils Where Wild Rosehip Grows in Yozgat Province

In this study, it was tried to determine the organic matter status of the soils where naturally growing rose hips were grown in Yozgat province and its relationship with some soil properties, especially erodibility. In this direction, degraded surface soil samples were taken from 30 different points. Organic matter (OM), texture, total calcium carbonate (CaCO3), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), some macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), some micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and soil erodibility factor of universal soil loss equation (USLE-K) were determined using these samples. According to the findings, the soils were classified as "adequate" in terms of some macro and micronutrient contents (P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and higher in terms of some elements (Ca, K and Mg). The organic matter content of the soils varied between 2.28% and 9.87% and the USLE-K value of the soils varied between 0.02-0.06 t ha-1 ha MJ-1 h mm-1. According to the statistical evaluations, organic matter was negatively correlated with pH and USLE-K and positively correlated with Mn and Zn. The adequacy of the nutrient content of these soils and their resistance to erosion were attributed to the high organic matter content of the soils.

The impact of olive mill wastewater on soil properties, nutrient and heavy metal availability – A study case from Syrian vertisols

Olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) is an environmental concern in olive oil producers' regions due to its use in agricultural soils as an organic amendment. However, OMW can also be used as organic fertilizer due to their high organic matter and nutrient levels, but its use, when it occurs without environmental management, can cause serious environmental implications for soils and waters. This work evaluated the impact of different OMW levels on a set of physicochemical parameters from an agricultural vertisol where wheat grew (Triticum aestivum L var. Douma 1). A set of physicochemical parameters were conducted before adding different levels of OMW (0, 5, 10 and 15 L m−2) at two soil depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) and for the two growing seasons to determine: i) the effect of OMW treatments on the studied physicochemical soil properties (bulk density, soil porosity, soil pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter), ii) available primary (N, P, K) and secondary macronutrients (Ca, Mg and Na), ii) micronutrients (Cu Fe, Mn and Zn), and iv) available heavy metals (Cd and Pb). The results indicated that soil physicochemical parameters were slightly improved, mainly due to improvement in organic matter, macro- and micronutrients, usually proportionally to the olive mill wastewater dose. Cadmium and Pb were within the permissible limits. The increased OMW had different behaviour on the soil nutritional balances of different elements, leading to nutrient imbalances, although in some cases, they were improved. However, the plant growth was not affected, and it was improved under 10 L m−2 and 15 L m−2 doses. The results offer valuable data about the use of OMW as organic fertilizer for crops and their potential impact on soil properties.

Effect of moisture content on larval gut microbiome and the conversion of pig manure by black soldier fly

The study investigated the influence of varied moisture levels in pig manure on the gut microbiome of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and their waste conversion efficiency. This encompassed alterations in nutrient components of both BSFL and pig manure, diversity and characterization of the BSFL gut microbiota, and the reciprocal effects between the BSFL gut microbiota and their growth performance and nutrient composition. Additionally, the investigation delved into the changes in the bacterial community and the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria in pig manure. An initial mixture of fresh pig manure and wheat bran was prepared with a 60 % moisture content (Group A). Distilled water was subsequently added to adjust the moisture levels, resulting in mixtures with 65 % (Group B), 70 % (Group C), and 75 % (Group D) moisture content. Each group underwent BSFL digestion over ten days. Groups C (3.87 ± 0.05 mg/worm) and D (3.97 ± 0.08 mg/worm) showed significantly higher bioconversion efficiencies and enhanced BSFL growth compared to Groups A (2.66 ± 0.21 mg/worm) and B (3.09 ± 0.09 mg/worm) (P < 0.05). A 75 % moisture level was identified as ideal, positively influencing fecal conversion efficiency (FCE) (9.57 ± 0.14 %), crude fat intake (8.92 ± 0.56 %), protein (46.60 ± 0.54 %), and total phosphorus (1.37 ± 0.08 %) from pig manure, and subsequent nutrient accumulation in BSFLs. A decline in larval crude ash content indicated higher organic matter and an increased pig manure conversion rate with elevated moisture. High-throughput sequencing and diversity analyses confirmed different moisture contents influenced the BSFL gut microbiota. Bacteroidetes (32.7–62.0 %), Proteobacteria (6.8–29.3 %), Firmicutes (5.8–23.4 %), and Actinobacteria (1.9–29.0 %) were predominant phyla. A 75 % moisture content significantly impacted the BSFL biomass conversion and growth performance. Additionally, Larval feces met non-hazardous fertilizer standards, according to NY-525 (2012).

Lead in paint-contaminated residential soils with varying physicochemical properties from three large US cities: assessment of geochemical forms and recommendations on amendments for immobilization

Lead in yard soils has been recognized as the principal source of excess lead absorption among young children. The hazard imposed by soil lead is dependent on the geochemical forms of lead in soils. Soil properties such as pH, soil organic matter, clay, and carbonate content influence the geochemical forms of lead in soil. This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between soil properties and the geochemical speciation of lead in lead paint-contaminated residential soils from three major US cities. A comprehensive field survey was conducted, involving the collection of soils from ten houses in each of the cities: Baltimore, San Antonio, and Detroit. The influence of soil properties on geochemical speciation was analyzed to identify effective immobilization amendments for each soil type. Results showed that soils collected from San Antonio were slightly alkaline, whereas those from Baltimore were slightly acidic. Soils collected from Detroit were neutral to mildly alkaline in pH. San Antonio soils had relatively high soil salinity, high clay content, moderate to high soil organic matter (SOM), and high total carbon (TC). In contrast, soils collected from Baltimore had lower salinity and clay content, low SOM, and total carbon. Soils from Detroit exhibited relatively high salinity, clay, SOM, and TC contents. The average total soil lead concentrations were as follows; San Antonio 4,073 mg/kg, Baltimore 2,706 mg/kg, and Detroit 850 mg/kg. Geochemical speciation studies revealed significant differences in lead distribution among the studied soils. San Antonio soils exhibited high carbonate-bound and organic matter-bound fractions, while Baltimore soils had elevated soluble + exchangeable fractions. Detroit soils showed substantial lead in organic matter-bound fractions. Correlation analysis showed that the soil properties influencing exchangeable lead, were pH, total Al, and total Ca for San Antonio soils; pH and total P for Baltimore soils; and SOM and total Al for Detroit soils. Correlation analysis showed that there is a significant negative correlation (p &amp;lt; 0.05) between exchangeable lead and total Al (r = −0.653), and total Ca (r = −0.438) for San Antonio soils; pH (r = −0.286) and total p (r = −0.314) for Baltimore soils; and SOM (r = −0.628) and total Al (r = −0.408) for Detroit soils. Based on these results, the best potential immobilization amendments for each of these cities were predicted.

Experimental study on solidification/stabilization of leachate sludge by sulfoaluminate cement and MSWI by-products.

Leachate sludge is generated from the biochemical treatment sludge tank for disposing the leachate from landfill municipal solid waste (MSW). It has the characteristics of high water content and high organic matter content. Sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) is used as the main curing agent, and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) by-products are used as auxiliary curing agents to solidify/stabilize the leachate sludge. The influences of SAC content and MSWI by-products content on the strength and solidification mechanism of the leachate sludge are investigated by unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and micro-observation tests. Moreover, the leaching concentration of heavy metals of the solidified samples is analyzed by leaching toxicity test. The results show that the UCS of the solidified samples increases with an increase in cement content. When the cement content is larger than 20%, the UCS of the solidified samples satisfies the strength requirement of landfill. The enhancing effect of bottom ash on the cement-solidified samples is slight. The fly ash is a good auxiliary curing agent for improving the UCS of cement-solidified samples, and the optimal dosage of fly ash is 5% and 15% for the solidified samples with 10 ~ 30% and 40 ~ 50% cement content, respectively. Ten percent fly ash can replace 10% cement to achieve better solidification effect for the solidified samples. The leaching concentration of heavy metals in the solidified sample with 30%/40% cement and 15% fly ash/bottom ash can satisfy the strength and leaching toxicity requirements of landfill. The immobilization of heavy metal of the cement and MSWI by-products solidified samples is mainly achieved through physical adsorption, physical encapsulation, ion exchange, and chemical precipitation.

Biopolymers as a Potential Alternative for the Retention of Pollutants from Vinasse: An In Silico Approach.

Vinasse, a waste from the bioethanol industry, presents a crucial environmental challenge due to its high organic matter content, which is difficult to biodegrade. Currently, no sustainable alternatives are available for treating the amount of vinasse generated. Conversely, biopolymers such as cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and chitosan are emerging as an interesting alternative for vinasse control due to their flocculating capacity against several organic compounds. This study seeks to determine the thermodynamic behavior of in silico interactions among three biopolymers (cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and chitosan) regarding 15 organic compounds found in vinasse. For this, the Particle Mesh Ewald (PME) method was used in association with the Verlet cutoff scheme, wherein the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) was calculated over a 50 ns simulation period. The findings revealed that cellulose showed a strong affinity for flavonoids like cyanidin, with a maximum free energy of -84 kJ/mol and a minimum of -55 kJ/mol observed with phenolic acids and other flavonoids. In contrast, chitosan displayed the highest interactions with phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, reaching -590 kJ/mol. However, with 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol (MHPG), it reached an energy of -70 kJ/mol. The interaction energy for flavonoid ranged from -105 to -96 kJ/mol. Finally, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) demonstrated an interaction energy with isoquercetin of -238 kJ/mol, while interactions with other flavonoids were almost negligible. Alternatively, CMC exhibited an interaction energy of -124 kJ/mol with MHPG, while it was less favorable with other phenolic acids with minimal interactions. These results suggest that there are favorable interactions for the interfacial sorption of vinasse contaminants onto biopolymers, indicating their potential for use in the removal of contaminants from the effluents of the bioethanol industry.

Assessing nitrous oxide emissions and productivity of cropping systems for biogas production using digestate and mineral fertilisation in a coastal marsh site

Significant greenhouse gas emissions during substrate cultivation reduces the potential environmental benefits of biogas production. This study investigates the productivity of different cropping systems and their environmental impact in terms of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions under the environmental conditions of the coastal marsh regions (Northern Germany) with heavy clay soils, in a 2-year field trial (April 2009-March 2011). Treatments included four cropping systems (perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, PR) ley, continuous maize (Zea mays), a rotation (CR1) of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum), Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum, IR) and maize, and a rotation (CR2) of maize, winter wheat and IR; two sources of N (nitrogen) fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate, and biogas residue (BR)), and three levels of N fertilizer applications (control, moderate, high). Nitrous oxide emissions were determined for the unfertilized and highly fertilized cropping systems comprising PR ley, CR1 and CR2. Cumulative annual N2O emissions varied across the treatments, ranging from 0.82 to 3.4 kg N2O-N ha−1 year−1. Under high N fertilizer applications, PR ley incurred higher N2O-N losses compared to other tested cropping systems, and IR cover crop caused relatively high N2O-N emissions in a short vegetation period. The study observed wide range of yield-scaled emissions (0.00–5.60 kg N2O-N (Mg DM)−1) for different crops, emphasizing the variability in N2O emissions linked to cropping systems. The N2O-N emission factors for the three cropping systems were found to be low to moderate for all treatments, ranging from 0.03% to 0.53% compared to IPCC default Tier 1 N2O-N EFs. The lower emissions in the study were associated with prolonged high soil moisture conditions (water filled pore space &amp;gt;70%.), indicated by its negative correlation with N2O-N fluxes. Low dry matter and N yield of PR and of the wheat-IR sequence after BR application compared to other crops indicated a low N use efficiency. The estimation of N2O-N emissions based on N surplus was not promising specifically for the coastal study site where high groundwater level and organic matter in the soils were the predominant drivers for N2O-N emissions.

Secondary Succession of Vegetation in the Former Coal Mine Area PT. Bukit Asam Tbk

Open-pit mining activities cause environmental degradation such as decreased soil fertility and degradation of plantation. After mining activities is completed, land improvements will be carried out through post-mining reclamation. Low pH conditions, high metal concentrations and low organic matter are the main problems in post-mining activities reclamation land. Reclamation activities carried out by PT. Bukit Asam, Tbk runs continuously from time to time. Mining land that is no longer used for mining activities must immediately carry out land reclamation activities to preserve the environment and maintain ecosystem stability in coal mining areas. The reclamation efforts that have been carried out require vegetation analysis to determine the vegetation growing on the reclaimed land of various ages. This research aims to analyze vegetation using the transect method in reclamation areas aged 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and natural land as a control. The research results show that all reclaimed land is ultisol soil which is acidic (pH 3.52 – 4.50), and the older the reclaimed land can increase the C-Organic, C-Total and C/N of the soil. The condition of land that is 5 years old also has lower soil temperatures and greater humidity than land that is younger. The Importance Value Index (INP) of seedlings, saplings, poles and trees on reclaimed land at 1 year old is smaller than at 5 years old. The common vegetation found on all reclaimed land of different ages is seedlings (Mimosa pudica), saplings (Malaleuca cajuputi), poles and trees (Malaleuca cajuputi, Acacia mangium).

The effects of wildfire frequency on post-fire soil surface water dynamics

Increasing wildfire frequency in the Mediterranean Basin could affect future plant-soil–water-dynamics. The capacity of soils to retain water is a key parameter affecting plant post-fire regeneration. Yet, few research has looked at how different soil properties related to water retention is affected by increasing wildfire frequency. This study aimed at understanding the relationship between wildfire frequency, soil–water-related properties and the dynamics of surface water in soils. To this, after a 2012-summer wildfire in Portugal, three sets of three replicate maritime pine stands with contrasted wildfire frequency were selected (0 vs. 1 vs. 4 fires since 1975). At each of the nine study sites, three re-sprouter shrubs and neighbouring bare soil were chosen (54 microsites). There, soil cover, soil–water retention curves and surface (0–5 cm) soil–water-related properties (texture, bulk density, organic matter content, soil moisture, soil surface water repellency) were monitored for one year. Furthermore, records of post-fire soil moisture dynamics were analysed continuously using 72 probes installed at 2.5 and 7.5 cm depth. The hillslopes affected by 1 fire showed higher plant recovery than the 4 fires hillslopes. During the dry season, the threshold for water stress was reached 17 days sooner in the 4 fires hillslopes, and also 10 days sooner on bare microsites. Periods of plant water stress were longer and bare soil patches size bigger. The increase in wildfire frequency promoted high soil organic matter contents but less available water content, stressing the importance of soil organic matter quality characterization in water-related properties.

Soil Properties Affecting Mercury (Hg) Adsorption-Desorption: Determine The Extent of Soil Pollution Risk

One of the hazardous wastes generated from unlicensed gold mining is mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that can have a negative impact on the environment such as reducing soil and water quality and disturbing human health. The presence of mercury in the soil is completely controlled by adsorption-desorption of various sorbents. Soil properties greatly affect the adsorption and desorption of mercury in the soil. Because different soil properties will adsorb and desorb mercury in different ways and amounts. The purpose of writing this article is to review the results of previous research on the adsorption-desorption of mercury in soil so as to determine the extent of the risk of soil and environmental pollution. The method used in this writing is to collect and process data sources from previous research published in scientific articles, books, and discussion results. The results show that soils with high organic matter, iron oxide and clay content can absorb more Hg2+. In addition, lower pH has more hydroxylated surfaces that can adsorb more Hg2+. Irreversibility was found where the amount released or desorbed was less than the adsorption of mercury.

In the presence of the other: How glyphosate and peptide molecules alter the dynamics of sorption on goethite

The interactions with soil mineral surfaces are among the factors that determine the mobility and bioavailability of organic contaminants and of nutrients present in dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soil and aquatic environments. While most studies focus on high molar mass organic matter fractions (e.g., humic and fulvic acids), very few studies investigate the impact of DOM constituents in competitive sorption. Here we assess the sorption behavior of a heavily used herbicide (i.e., glyphosate) and a component of DOM (i.e., a peptide) at the water/goethite interface, inclusive of potential glyphosate-peptide interactions. We used in-situ ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared) spectroscopy to study sorption kinetics and mechanisms of interaction as well as conformational changes to the secondary structure of the peptide. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectroscopy was used to assess the level of interaction between glyphosate and the peptide and changes to the peptide' secondary structure in solution. For the first time, we illustrate competition for sorption sites results in co-sorption of glyphosate and peptide molecules that affects the extent, kinetics, and mechanism of interaction of each with the surface. In the presence of the peptide, the formation of outer-sphere glyphosate-goethite complexes is favored albeit inner-sphere glyphosate-goethite bonds (i.e., POFe) are still formed. The presence of glyphosate induces secondary structural shifts of the sorbed peptide that maximizes the formation of H-bonds with the goethite surface. However, glyphosate and the peptide do not seem to interact with one another in solution nor at the goethite surface upon sorption. The results of this work highlight potential consequences of competition for sorption sites, for example the transport of organic contaminants and nutrient-rich (i.e., nitrogen) DOM components in relevant environmental systems. Predicting the rate and extent with which organic pollutants are removed from solution by a given solid is also one of the most critical factors for the design of effective sorption systems in engineering applications.

Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Formulations and Their Relevant Active Ingredients Affect Soil Springtails Even Five Months after Application

Glyphosate is the most widely used active ingredient (AI) in glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) worldwide and is also known to affect a variety of soil organisms. However, we know little about how the effects of glyphosate AIs differ from those of GBHs that also contain so-called inert co-formulants. We conducted a greenhouse experiment using the model cover crop white mustard (Sinapis alba) to investigate the effects of three GBHs (Roundup PowerFlex, Roundup LB Plus, and Touchdown Quattro) and their respective glyphosate AIs (glyphosate potassium, isopropylamine, and diammonium salt) on epedaphic springtails (Sminthurinus niger; Collembola) activity in soils with low (3.0%) or high (4.1%) organic matter content (SOM). Springtail activity was assessed using pitfall traps. Most GBHs and AIs reduced springtail activity compared to mechanical removal of mustard in the short-term and even up to 5 months after application. GBHs and AIs differed considerably in their effects on springtail activity, and effects were modified by SOM content. Our results highlight the need to (i) distinguish between the effects of glyphosate AIs and commercial GBH formulations, (ii) disclose all ingredients of GBHs, as co-formulants also affect non-target organisms, and (iii) include soil properties in ecotoxicological risk assessments for soil organisms to better characterize the situation in the field.

Jointly soil properties affect N and P uptakes and utilizations in Pinus tabuliformis Carr. and Quercus liaotungensis Koidz. subjected to growing media with decomposed litter

Monocultured pine plantation is suffering ecological degradation that is highly associated with low regeneration. Decomposed litter is an important soil amendment for enhancing regeneration through promoting nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptakes and utilizations. It is necessary to detect key soil attributes that contributed to this positive effect for regenerations in pine plantations. In this study, in-situ soils and litter were collected from local Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) plantations (objective) and secondary forests dominated by Liaodong oak (Quercus liaotungensis Koidz.) (control). Soils were used for culturing one-year-old Chinese pine and Liaodong oak seedlings with a prolonged photoperiod in a greenhouse. Litter was composted with effective microorganisms and mixed to soils at ratios of 0% (control), 25%, and 50% (v/v). Compared to the control, the 25% ratio decreased shoot height and root-collar diameter, and the 50% ratio decreased the comprehensive seedling quality. Decomposed litter addition reduced shoot biomass and P content in pine seedlings and utilizations for N and P in both species. Multivariate linear regression indicated that high pH in growing media impaired root P content and biomass increments in shoot and root parts, and high organic matter content inhibited N content and concentration in shoots. Overall, the addition of decomposed litter resulted in overdoses of nutrient supply for both species. Our results contradict the argument that N and P released from decomposed litter are both beneficial for regenerations in plantations, neither did in secondary forests.

Geochemical Characteristics and Geological Significance of Mud Shale of the Second Member, Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China

Abstract ––The Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar sag is an important shale oil-producing layer in the Junggar basin. In this paper, core data, organic carbon, rock pyrolysis, biomarker compounds, and organic matter group component separation were used to study the sedimentary environment, parent material type, organic maturity and oil-bearing property of mud shale of the Second member of the Lucaogou Formation. The results showed that the sedimentary environment is a semi-oxidation and semi-reduction environment. The parent material is mainly aquatic with minor input of higher plants. The average TOC is 7.43%, the average value of hydrocarbon generation potential (S1+S2) is 50.54 mg/g, and the average value of Tmax is 446 °C, showing high maturity of the mud shale. The chloroform bitumen “A” features high saturated hydrocarbon content (34.10% on average), low aromatic hydrocarbon content (15.39% on average), and high saturated/aromatic ratio (2.54). The carbon number of saturated hydrocarbons is distributed between n-C13 and n-C33. Their peak are mainly n-C17 and n-C23, which are biased toward medium-low molecular weight alkanes. The average of the ΣC21–/ΣC22+ is 1.19, indicating that the alkane has advantage of short chain. The mud shale in the Second member of the Lucaogou Formation has a large sedimentary thickness, high organic matter content, and high oil generation potential. It is an important replacement target for shale oil in Jimsar sag and has important exploration significance in the future.

A multibiomarker approach in clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) for a toxicological evaluation of dredged sediments

The Lagoon of Venice is often dredged for channel maintenance. To avoid harmful consequences to the ecosystem, a proper disposal of bottom sediments requires a preliminary evaluation of its potential toxicity before excavation. Here we evaluated the effects of polluted sediments on clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) using a multibiomarker approach. Bivalves were exposed for 3 and 14 days to five sediment samples collected along a navigation canal between Venice historical centre and the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Immunological, antioxidant, detoxification, and neurotoxicity biomarkers were analysed in haemolymph, gill, and digestive gland. As a control, sediment collected far from pollution sources was used. Two experiments were performed to assess potential seasonal/gametogenic influence in clam sensitivity. A different response of clam biomarkers was observed during the two experiments and among sampling sites. Clams’ digestive gland resulted to be the most sensitive tissue analysed showing significant differences among sites in all biomarkers analysed. Greater differences were present due to seasonality rather than exposure. The concentrations of metals and organic pollutants increased from the city centre to the industrial area, highlighting the influence that industrial activities had on the lagoon ecosystem. However, bioaccumulation in clams did not follow the same clear pattern, suggesting low bioavailability of compounds due to relatively high organic matter content. Biomarkers modulation was mainly driven by metals, both present in sediments and bioaccumulated. In comparison, effects of organic pollutants on the biomarkers tested were negligible. Other sources of contamination not investigated (e.g. pesticides) were suggested by neurotoxicity biomarkers alteration.

Assessment of roadside grassland soil carbon characteristics

Carbon is a vital component of soil health and plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth and ecosystem functioning. By understanding the carbon content and characteristics of roadside grassland soil, we can evaluate its fertility and potential for supporting vegetation. Assessing roadside grassland soil carbon characteristics is important for understanding soil fertility, carbon sequestration potential, and the impact of human activities on soil health. The investigation includes elemental analysis of grassland soil and on that base calculation of ratios, soil organic carbon, soil carbon stocks, the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from SCS soil carbon stocks loss. The samples have more percentage of element hydrogen which contribute to anaerobic conditions in grassland soil include waterlogging or poor drainage, high organic matter content, and compacted soil. The C/N (Carbon to Nitrogen) ratio is low and this is the reason of delayed decomposition and difficulties of nutrient cycling processes within the ecosystem. The soil organic carbon varies between 1 % and 2 %. Soil carbon stock between 304gC and 474 gC may be considered relatively low. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from SCS soil carbon stocks loss was between 2 and 3 %. This loss in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from soil carbon stocks can be considered relatively low and potentially beneficial. Implementing practices that promote carbon sequestration, such as reducing soil disturbance, implementing cover cropping, and adopting sustainable land management practices, can help mitigate soil carbon loss and reduce emissions.

Characteristics of soil physical, dust content, and estimation of soil carbon in the reclamation area of PT Semen Bosowa Maros

Mining activities can cause problems with physical properties and decrease soil fertility, air pollution, and increased carbon emissions. Land reclamation is one way to overcome these problems. PT Semen Bosowa Maros (SBM), as a public company engaged in the mining and cement processing industry has succeeded in carrying out post-mining land reclamation and revegetation activities. Post-mining land reclamation and revegetation activities are expected to reduce environmental damage, so some important aspects studied include soil physical quality, dust content, and soil carbon. The study aimed to determine the characteristics of soil physical properties (soil texture, permeability, bulk density, organic matter), dust content, and soil carbon in the reclamation area of PT Semen Bosowa Maros, South Sulawesi. The research was conducted in Barugae Village, Bantimurung District, Maros Regency, through data collection in the form of soil samples, dust content, and soil carbon content in 4 observation plots. The study used a field observation method followed by analyzing sample results in the laboratory. The results showed that the soil texture class was dominated by clay texture, the highest soil permeability data was 6.12 cm/hour, the highest bulk density was 0.71 g/cm3, and the highest organic matter was 2.11%. While the highest dust content value is 0.00251 g/cm2. As well as the highest estimated value of soil carbon at 44.73 g/cm2. Information from this research is important for PT Semen Bosowa Maros. In particular, it can improve land conditions through post-mining land reclamation and revegetation activities.